Winemakers are fibbing about alcohol content — here’s why they’re getting away with it

For many consumers, a bottle of wine offers an enjoyable escape — a sip of relaxation or a celebratory toast.

But if you’ve ever chosen a bottle based on its label, specifically the alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage, you might be making a pour decision.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) — the federal agency that oversees alcohol labeling — allows wineries a significant amount of flexibility when it comes to ABV numbers, originally reported on by Food & Wine.

In Europe — and several other countries — the ABV range is 0.5% in either direction.

In the United States, wines with an alcohol content of 7-14% ABV can vary by up to 1.5% from what’s printed on the label and 1% for those with higher alcohol content.

This means that a bottle labeled 12% ABV could actually contain anywhere between 10.5% and 13.5% alcohol.

While this may not sound like a huge discrepancy, the impact is real — both in terms of the wine’s effects and its calorie count.

Annie Edgerton, a wine appraiser, educator, and consultant who works at Flatiron Wines & Spirits in New York City, told Food & Wine that this difference can “definitely be enough for sensitive drinkers to notice.”

That 1.5% variance could also mean a difference of around 20 calories per glass, in addition to how you feel after a few sips.

What makes this even more frustrating for people is that many wines exceed this acceptable range.

Each year, the TTB conducts alcohol sampling to ensure compliance, but the scope of these tests is limited. According to annual federal spot tests, roughly one in five bottles tested exceeds the legal limit.

Enforcement of these regulations remains loose, which allows wineries room to adjust alcohol levels.

When wineries submit labels for approval, they may not have the exact alcohol percentage of the wine ready because the fermentation process can lead to slight variations.

Wines with a slightly lower alcohol content may appeal to those aiming to be more health-conscious and moderate their alcohol consumption.

In contrast, higher ABV wines may be marketed as more luxurious or robust, even though they may only be marginally stronger than their counterparts.

Another major reason for the discrepancy could be taxes.

Wines with higher alcohol content are taxed at a higher rate.

Therefore, wineries might want to label a wine with a slightly lower alcohol percentage to avoid a higher tax bracket.

Just know that whether you’re trying to keep your calorie count in check or simply seeking a specific wine experience, there’s no certain way to know that the alcohol content on your bottle’s label is accurate.

If you’re going to wine about it, experts suggest buying from a trusted winery or asking the person behind the bottle shop counter for some advice.